A group of Texas business leaders is raising money from lobbyists to pay for 20 interns for Gov. Rick Perry during the coming year.
Government watchdog groups say the practice raises questions about what influence might come with the contributions.
"It reeks of a shakedown," said Suzy Woodford, executive director of Common Cause of Texas, echoing the sentiments of some lobbyists. "Those who pay will be on the good list, and the ones who don't won't be able to get a phone call returned."
Kathy Walt, Perry's press secretary, denied that the fund-raising poses any conflict.
"These are not contributions to the governor; they are contributions to the governor's office," she said. "This is an independent group who sees the value in providing internships."
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